Dark and Wild 2: The Devil Inside

Chapter 26: Girlfriend

Ansherina

"Why Muay Thai?"

"Hmm, it's one of the most known sports here."

Napatango ako. "How old are when you learn it?"

"I was, I think 10."

Agaran ang naging paglingon ko sa kanya. Sinalubong niya ng halik ang pisngi ko.

"You're too young." Di makapaniwalang bulalas ko.

"Am I?"

Tinitigan ko siya. Di makapaniwala na sa murang edad ay natutunan niya ang delikadong sport na iyon.

"Who encourage you? Your...master?"

Ngumuso siya. Pilit na tinatago ang ngiti habang pinagmamasdan ang ekspresyon ko.

"Delikado. You were too young."

"Para kang si mama. That's exactly what she told when I ask permission from her."

Tuluyan ko siyang hinarap para makausap ng maayos. Nanatili ang nakapulupot niyang mga braso sa akin.

"Kasi totoo naman. Delikado. At bata ka pa noon."

Pinagtaasan niya ako ng isang kilay. "I survive, though."

Kinunot ko ang noo. Hindi nagustuhan ang sinabi niya. "Even so! If I was your mom, I would never permit you."

"Oh, good thing you're not." Then, he flashed a teasing smile.

Napasimangot ako. Hindi niya ako sineseryoso. "I'm serious, Reigan."

He licked his lower lip. "I'm fine, babe."

Napabuntong-hininga ako. "You're still active. Then you're defending your belt, right? So? Lalaban ka ulit? When?"

I'm panicking. Damn. Hindi ako ready na makita siyang nakikipaglaban para sa belt niya? It will probably be the death of me!

He caressed my waist. Mas lalo niya akong hinigit palapit sa kanya. Ang mga mata'y malamlam at nagpapahiwatig ng pagsuko.

"I'm fine. Don't worry."

Naisip ko tuloy ang mama niya. If she's against it, then why did he still do it?

"Ano nga pala ang...ikinamatay ng mama mo?" Instead, that question came out even before I could filter it.

Palagay ko kasi, isa ito sa mga dahilan. She's always worried, and it upset her. Or not? Ako lang ata ang nag-iisip na ikamamatay ko ang pag-aalala sa kanya dahil dito.

Napakurap siya. Tila hindi inasahan ang tanong na iyon mula sa akin. He clenched his teeth, reason why his jaw sharpened. Still, he answered. "Leukemia."

I was about to ask who supported them, especially the treatment of his mom. It's no joke. Leukemia needs tons of money. Clearly, he's too young that time to finance the treatment.

I can't imagine him doing everything for his mom. The burden is too heavy for a kid.

His father, I guess?

"Don!" Isang sigaw mula sa living room ang bumulabog sa mga katanungan ko.

Reigan is intently staring at me. It's as if he's deciphering my thoughts. And I want to talk more. I want to ask him how he cope up upon knowing the condition of his mom.

"Don?"

Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. The questions can wait.

Kinalas ko ang pagkakapulupot ng mga braso niya sa akin. "Let's go. Someone's outside."